Beyond the Flames of Protest Part II: Solutions and Moving Forward with a Plan

Published: June 15, 2020

By: Willie Barney, Co-Publisher Revive Omaha

Beyond the Flames: Why I Believe 2020 is a Turning Point

Where Do We Go From Here? Transformation 2025

Part II: Moving to Solutions

Omaha might not be in flames now, but we have a playbook. George Fraser has called Omaha the Montgomery of the economic rights movement. Pastor Freddie Haynes calls it the Selma of the next great movement. They and others believe there are answers in Omaha.

On a personal level, after years of reading, researching and studying solutions, we embarked nearly fifteen years ago on a journey to move the dial and change the trajectory of our community. Hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents, both youth and adults, have participated. Both black and white. Both civilian and police. North, South, East and West.

I’m hopeful because through collaboration, we have made measurable progress in 8 of 10 key areas.

Through the collective efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents:

Gun violence was decreased by 74%
African-American high school graduation rates increased from 64% to 81%.
The percentage of African-Americans with a bachelor’s degree increased from 16% to 22%.
African-American unemployment was reduced from nearly 21% to 7.5%.
Employment for youth increased from 30 summer jobs to over 1,000.
The African-American poverty rate was reduced from 33% to 24%.
A new grocery store was built, some neighborhood stores were converted and fresh fruit and vegetables were brought to the community.
The Affordable HealthCare Act reduced the percentage of uninsured and did not penalize for pre-existing conditions.
Major revitalization efforts were launched, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in public/private investments.
A new wave of innovative black entrepreneurs is emerging.

One of the most significant areas of progress is the work we’ve done collectively to build stronger partnerships between police and community and begin addressing justice issues. Body cameras, diversity training, open communication, police diversity and reductions of use of force have resulted from collaboration. In Omaha, a city of 460,000, there has been one officer involved shooting in the past eighteen months. Cities across the nation are looking to replicate the Omaha 360, a nationally recognized model.

To be sure, we never thought the work was done. We know significant gaps still exist. Yet, we also know that it is possible to move the dial.

In 2014, partly fueled by the flames of Ferguson, we made a proposal to accelerate the progress of African-Americans and North Omaha and identified the level of investment it would require. The plan became known as Transformation 2025 Initiative. It was based on the input of over 8,000 people, implementation of successful projects and aligned with the findings of the Kerner Report and Freedom Agenda.

We secured some initial investments. We aligned efforts. We built effective collaborations. We pushed for large scale investments with specific goals, strategies, initiatives, programs and policies identified.

The areas where we secured funds we have been able to produce tangible, measurable results. But when it came to the larger proposals, we were told there are no additional funds.

“Where would we ever find that level of funding?”

Omaha can find the funds when it becomes a priority. Hundreds of millions of dollars for downtown redevelopment. $140 million for the TD Ameritrade baseball stadium. Hundreds of millions for a new Buffett Cancer Center. $200 million just approved by citizens to improve streets and the list goes on. To be clear, these are all great investments for the City of Omaha. I stand in full support. They are all needed and benefit the city and region. However, these investments prove the point: Omaha and other cities can move the dial and we can find the resources to do what we prioritize.

As described by Obama Foundation officials who visited our community, “Omaha is a get it done city.”

We are now faced with the same decision that the nation and city confronted in 1968.

Invest in people or invest in prisons? Invest in residents or invest in buildings. Invest in prevention or invest in penalties. Invest in proactive solutions or civil unrest.

In 2020, what decision will we make? This is our turning point.

We know how to put out the fire. I believe that collectively, with the fires raging and in the midst of a pandemic, we will make the right decision. In the words of Dr. King, “We will finally make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”

As African-Americans, we must unite and do our part. Support black businesses and businesses in North Omaha. Vote. Create generational wealth. Continue reinforcing the importance of education. Take care of our health. Work together to address justice and reform. Engage with the community to address race relations and inequities. Use all of our gifts and assets. Partner with allies.

Omaha. America. You must do your part. Listen. Allow African-Americans and residents from neighborhoods most impacted to lead. Partner and support. Be an ally. Implement new policies to reform the justice system. It is time to invest at the scale of the problem.

Invest in entrepreneurship and access to credit and capital. Invest in employment, diversity and higher wages. Invest in safe, affordable housing and mixed income neighborhoods. Invest in education and high performing school models. Invest in prevention, intervention, community policing and reentry programs. Invest to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all.

We can all win. Let’s design a society and democracy that works for all of its citizens. The rest of the world is watching. Will this grand experiment finally and fully become what it can be? A place where all citizens are spiritually, economically and socially thriving, healthy and prosperous.

In Omaha, the early indications from all sectors is that it will be different this time. We have the will and the appetite to make this the turning point. We can put the flames out for good this time.

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Two additional thoughts. There are other plans that have been developed and numerous individuals and groups who are working diligently on their initiatives, projects, programs and policies. Our goal is to create a combined plan that we can all work on together and do our part in a collaborative way.

In addition, many individuals, organizations, foundations, businesses and ministries have invested tremendous amounts of time, talent and treasure into various initiatives generating measurable outcomes. We should pause and recognize these committed partners. Now, together, we will focus more intensely on wealth, health and ownership.

Events

Teen Summit hosted by Black Police Officers Association builds bridges, provides insights

Saturday, March 25, 2023

In its ninth year, the Teen Summit hosted by the Black Police Officers Association (BPOA) is producing great fruit and providing important insights from youth.

After a few years of hosting virtual events because of the pandemic, the Teen Summit returned to in person sessions and moved to the Village Empowerment Center. The impactful event was co-founded between BPOA and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

“We love having the opportunity to engage with the youth in the community in a positive way,” said Marcus Taylor, one of the event organizers and co-founder of the BPOA.

“Hosting the event in person allows for a lot more interaction,” said Ken Fox, another organizer and co-founder of the program.

All youth participants not only walked away with knowledge and new tools to prevent and solve problems, but great gifts ranging from iPads and chrome books to big screen televisions.

“We like to give them an opportunity to reflect on the day and think about what they have learned,” said Curtis Morgan, co-organizer and facilitator of the student panel and discussions. “The gifts also are a fun way to end the day and send them home with something unexpected.”

Students had the opportunity to attend sessions focused on what they called “real topics.”

One of the participants said, “These are the types of issues we should be talking about at school.”

In a panel discussion at the end of the event others agreed and offered their suggestions to improve the community and outlined priorities they would focus on if they were principals in their schools.

These are suggestions from students in attendance:

Schools should have more activities and clubs for Black students.
More opportunities to open up to discuss feeling and challenges.
Kindness Club. Intentionally tell students what is good about them. More messages to show appreciation.
More black teachers. Understand our culture.
More student voices included in decision-making.
Girls should be able to play all sports including football.
Create QR Codes that capture student input and then respond to what students are saying.
Explain why things are in place. Example. No Gum Policy. Why?
Create assemblies on topics they students are actually interested in. Discuss issues that are actually impacting us. Like what we did today.
Should make community announcements at school. Kids are dealing with problems at school and at home. Speak reality during the announcements at school.
More people in student government that actually reflect what students want.

Issues that need to be addressed:

School too traditional. Need to innovate.
No events at school that touch on tough issues like this and there’s no communication about events like this.
These are different times as we are growing up.
We can look up the answers through technology quicker than it is being taught. Need to new teaching methods.
Mental health.
Everybody is struggling with something. Need to talk about it. Therapy sessions are needed with every student
Gun violence.
How to balance things. Home. School. Work. Family.
Depression. Childhood Trauma. People aren’t acknowledging the issues we are facing.
Addressing the “beauty” standard. Clear skin. Light skin. Dark skin.

“It’s great to see the event return to in person and continue giving our youth a platform to learn and give input on issues important to them,” said Jermaine Ballard, one of the keynote speakers.

He encouraged the students telling them they have already shown leadership.

“You could have stayed in bed or played video games all day, but you chose to come here to learn. You are all leaders.”

The Teen Summit is hosted annually by the Black Police Officers Association. Event organizers include: Marcus Taylor, Curtis Morgan, Ken Fox and David Preston. Guest speakers included Jermaine Ballard, Keith Station, Jennifer Clark, Jeff Williams, Galat Toung, Johnny Nesbitt and others.

For more information, please go to: https://bpoaofomaha.com/

NEWS

Branding Leaders Deliver Powerful Messages at Black Business Summit

Revive Black Business Summit

Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Revive Center Omaha

Black entrepreneurs, business owners and support organizations gathered together at the Revive Black Business Summit for a powerful, inspiring and action filled morning of networking, business exchange and sharing insights regarding Branding, Marketing and Resources.

Attendees raved about the experience as national and global branding experts shared their wisdom and experience on delivering on the promise.

George Fraser, CEO and Founder

FraserNet and PowerNetworking Conference

Dr. Fraser jump started the morning with a powerful introduction to branding. Fraser has worked with Fortune 500 companies and traveled the world teaching about branding, marketing and building strong black communities. A Black Business Hall of Fame member, Fraser talked about the challenges and opportunities facing Black Businesses nationally.

“The pandemic has forced hundreds of thousands of Black businesses to close, yet there are opportunities for those who are remarkable,” said Fraser. “Being good is not enough, we must be remarkable and excellent.”

Fraser also emphasized that a brand is a promise. “We need to find joy in what we do, be comfortable failing our way to success and have faith in the things we do.”

“Are you a brand or a logo,” said Fraser. “What is your promise and are you delivering on that promise?”

Fraser and his team are preparing for the 22nd annual PowerNetworking Conference which will be held August 2nd – 5th in Houston, Texas, rated by Forbes Magazine as the best conference in the nation for Black-owned businesses.

Devin Owens, Founder

Less the Agency

Devin Owens was then passed the baton and took the group further down the path of branding and marketing. She began by reflecting on her own personal journey towards simplification and thus the launch of her business, Less the Agency.

She has worked with over 65 global clients and some of Omaha’s most recognizable Black-owned businesses and organizations, I Be Black Girl, the ACLU of Nebraska, STATUS Luxury Goods, Best Burger and others.

She pointed to the importance of brand consistency, voice, compass, promise and the connection between what we say and what we actually do.

One of the key messages was verbal identity: “An integrated system of words and messaging that differentiate your brand and make it recognizable across channels and touch points.”

Monique Farmer, CEO and Founder

Avant Solutions

Farmer has won national awards for her innovative leadership with branding, communications and PR. She has vast experience with corporate, public sector and small business marketing, communications and branding campaigns.

Farmer reminded the audience that in addition to our business brand, we also have a personal brand.

“What do people say when you are not in the room,” said Farmer. “That is your personal brand. What are you known for?”

Farmer walked the participants through some key components of branding:

Brand reputation
Experience
Research
Visual representation
Embedding the story
Brand promise

Farmer is also a college professor for the University of Texas at Austin and has a compelling and engaging style of presenting.

Teddy Young, Co-Founder

Stable Gray

Young is the Co-Founder of Stable Gray with his business partner, CharDale Barnes. Young is known for his creative and industry leading approach to branding focused on understanding the emotional connections and problem-solving approach to business.

Stable Gray was named Small Business of the Year by the Greater Omaha Chamber and recently opened a second location in the heart of the historic 24th and Lake District.

Young brought a fresh approach by introducing the attendees to the importance of the emotional connections to brands.

“What does life look like when customers experience your product?”

To become better at branding and marketing, Young said business must understand how customers feel. What are their pain points? What do they want? What is the customer’s problem that you can help solve?

“How does your business help solve that problem and how does it leave the customer feeling?”

Farmer and Young tagged team and provided a list of questions for businesses to answer in order to conduct a meaningful audit of the brand.

The summit ended with a panel presenting local resources, funding and opportunities available through the Grow Nebraska Women’s Business Center, Small Business Administration, Nebraska Enterprise Fund and the Carver Legacy Center in partnership with American National Bank. Click here for more information on these resources and funding opportunities.

Resource Panel: Ernest White, Carver Legacy Center Ambassador and Vice-President for American National Bank; Jim Reiff, Executive Director with Nebraska Enterprise Fund; April Hibbler, Small Business Administration; and Eden Butler, Grow Nebraska Women’s Business Center.

Mark Your Calendar. The next Revive Black Business Summit will be Saturday, April 22, 2023!

Click here for more information.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Mark Your Calendar. The next Revive Black Business Summit will be Saturday, April 22, 2023!

Click here for more information.

Events

City of Omaha receives $34 million for Lead Remediation

City of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Deputy Administrator Edward Chu, EPA Region 7

Regional leaders from the Environmental Protection Agency and Housing and Urban Development joined together to renew their commitment to helping the City to Omaha to remove lead from the soil and paint in North Omaha.

EPA is investing nearly $30 million and HUD added $4 million.